book chapter

Adoption on Romonum, Truk

adoption in eastern oceania • Honolulu • Published In 1970 • Pages: 314-340

By: Goodenough, Ruth Gallagher.

Abstract

This is a study on Chuuk adoption. The statistics show that rates of adoption were much higher in the postwar years than before the war. Goodenough attributes this trend to the high rate of venereal disease incurred by local Chuuk as a result of wartime occupation. Most adoptions occur within the father's or mother's lineage, and most often between siblings. Goodenough gives a partially psychological reason for adoption, relating it to the high value placed on nurturing in Chuuk society and the practice of collective childcare by kin and neighbors. Adoptions occur between larger, poorer families and childless, wealthier families, the latter able to provide the crucial ingredient of of adequate childcare. Fostering is also practiced, in which children maintain their ties to their real parent's lineage. Adoption is initiated by a childless couple first offering a parent help with infant care, followed by gift-giving, and the removal of the child.

HRAF PubDate

1999

Region

Oceania

Sub Region

Micronesia

Document Type

book chapter

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1997

Field Date

1964-1965

Coverage Date

1946-1965

Coverage Place

Romonum Island, Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia

Notes

Ruth Gallagher Goodenough

LCCN

77089650

LCSH

Trukese (Micronesian people)